Not sure if intruding jets were Chinese–AFP

MANILA, Philippines—The Armed Forces of the Philippines confirmed the sighting last week of two fighter jets in the vicinity of the disputed Kalayaan Islands (part of the contested Spratly chain) but clarified that there had been no act of provocation on the part of the unidentified aircraft.

It also could not conclusively say if the two jets were Chinese.

“The AFP, after thorough deliberation, has validated and confirmed today the sighting of two unidentified jet aircraft in the vicinity of the Kalayaan Island Groups in the Western Philippine Seas (South China Sea) Wednesday,” a military statement read.

The military added that there “could not have been provocation” as the jets had maintained their course, correcting previous news reports that they had “buzzed” two Philippine Air Force planes.

The PAF pilots also could not identify any markings at such a high altitude, the AFP said.

The aircraft were observed by two OV-10s on a routine patrol in the vicinity of the disputed islands.

Based on the report, the two OV-10 light fighter and observation planes departed Antonio Bautista Air Base at 7:20 a.m. and proceeded to Seahorse shoal, Sandy Shoal, Marie-Louise Shoal, Reed Bank, Templar Bank and Fairey Queen Shoal.

From about 5,500 feet at around 10 a.m., the pilots in the OV-10s spotted the contrails of an aircraft approximately at 18,000 to 20,000 feet or higher, the AFP said.

“Initially the jet was believed to be an airliner but the two distinct sets of contrails could only belong to an element of fighter jets which can operate at that altitude,” it said.

“The jets were initially observed coming in from their left, passing them from above still maintaining course and altitude, proceeding to their destination which was towards the South West of the South China Sea,” it added.

“There could not have been any provocation on the part of the jets since it maintained its course,” it said, noting that contrails come from water vapors forming at the wing tips of an aircraft normally at 24,000 feet or higher. DJ Yap